Most of us can't even keep our New Year's Resolutions past February, and somehow Meghan Markle [1] managed to marry a prince [2], become a duchess, and tour the world in the past 12 months — oh, and don't forget she has a royal baby on the way! It's hard to imagine how she'll top 2018, a year that was so full of milestones and big moments we could hardly keep track, but we've narrowed it down to 19. So sit back, and read through to relive Meghan's whirlwind year, then take a look at her many adorable snaps with Prince Harry [3].
Casual Kickoff
Shortly after announcing their engagement and celebrating Christmas with the royal family, Meghan and Harry stepped out for their first engagement of 2018 [5] when they visited a radio station in England. The couple shared their usual PDA, and Meghan kept things on the casual side with a messy bun [6].
In the few months ahead of her wedding, Meghan made multiple appearances, including a trip to Scotland [7] with Harry. It was the beginning of her full transition to royal life in the spotlight, though she noticeably maintained a more casual look before officially becoming a member of the royal family.
Royal Stage
Meghan made her voice heard at the Royal Foundation Forum in London, where she spoke on a panel with Kate, William, and Harry. Her quotes about women's empowerment [8] made headlines and made it clear that she would be an outspoken member of the royal family.
Plus, her cute moments with Kate [9] had fans excited about the friendship between the sister-in-laws to be.
Hands Off
In March, Meghan and Harry joined the Queen at an event for the first time [10] at Commonwealth Day services. Because of her Majesty's presence, the duo refrained from holding hands and touching — a tricky task [11] when you're used to being affectionately adorable!
The Big Day
Meghan made history when she married Harry on May 19 at Windsor Castle. The gorgeous wedding [12] was full of sweet and surprising details (some like Prince Charles walking her down the aisle [13] that bucked royal tradition) that solidified Meghan's role as a royal who would shake things up. She would also have a new title — the Queen announced that the duo would be officially known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex [14] following their union.
Newlyweds at Work
Rather than head off on their honeymoon immediately, Meghan and Harry stayed in London to celebrate Prince Charles's 70th birthday event at Buckingham Palace. It was her first official event since the wedding [15] and it was clear from the photos that she'd already become comfortable and close with her new in-laws.
Shortly after, the newlyweds did embark on their honeymoon, though they've yet to disclose where they travelled to [16].
Honeymoon Glow
The Trooping the Colour [17] in June was Meghan's first event back after returning from her honeymoon, and her appearance didn't disappoint. She was clearly still learning royal protocol and needed help from Harry [18] on the timing of her curtsy to the Queen, but looked every bit part of the family during her appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
The Queen's Approval
Days after her big Trooping the Colour appearance Meghan hit another royal milestone when she attended her first royal engagement with the Queen [19], who invited her to take an overnight journey on the royal train to North West England. It was a public gesture of welcoming from the Queen, who clearly gets along swimmingly with the Duchess if the photos are any indication.
Debut at the Races
Meghan's busy month continued into late June when she made her Royal Ascot debut [20]. It was one of many appearances in the weeks after her wedding where she learned to navigate royal protocol, and even when she slipped up, she recovered with grace [21].
Ladies Match
Meghan took a break from royal engagements for a fun outing to Wimbledon [22] with Kate in July. The pair watched the women's finals match, but all eyes were on the sisters-in-law and their sweet bond as they smiled and chatted in the stands. Joining Kate without Harry or any other royals showed that Meghan was able to handle the royal spotlight on her own, and she would continue to do so through the end of the year.
The following week, it was reported that Meghan and Harry would embark on their first overseas tour [23], where Meghan's royal stamina would be further tested.
Major PDA
It's not often that royals show affection in public and even more rare to for them to actually kiss, so Meghan and Harry smooching [24] at the Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup in July was a major moment. Sure, Prince William and Kate shared a peck [25] at a polo match the Summer after their wedding, too, but it was clear Harry and Meghan didn't hold back.
Wedding Belles
Meghan celebrated her 37th birthday in August at the wedding of Prince Harry's good friend Charlie van Straubenzee and Daisy Jenks [26] — and arguably also stole the show.
The stunning outing was yet another appearance that reminded us of their status as a royal star couple and the announcement just weeks later that they'd added a dog to their family [27] completed their picture perfect image.
The First Speech
Just months after becoming an official member of the royal family, Meghan's first solo project [28] was announced; she worked with the women of the Hubb Community Kitchen to create a cookbook to benefit the organisation. Meghan had Harry and her mother, Doria Ragland, by her side at the launch event [29], where she gave her first speech as a royal.
Solo Duchess
After a busy Summer, it was time for Meghan to step out on her own with her first solo engagement [30] to the Royal Academy of Arts in London. Though the public continued to scrutinise her every move — including the closing of her own car door [31] — Meghan was clearly confident in handling her royal duties without Harry or another family member by her side.
Stepping Into Sussex
In October, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited their namesake county [32] for the first time since receiving their titles. Meghan once again pushed the royal fashion boundaries by wearing a leather skirt [33], but it was still evident that her style was evolving since marrying Harry.
A Special Announcement
Meghan wore a chic navy coat to the October wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank [34], and just days later, it was revealed just why she didn't remove it — the palace announced that Meghan was pregnant with her first child! The internet was obviously more than ready for another royal baby [35] with people immediately investigating where the baby would be in line for the throne [36] and what title he or she would hold [37].
The timing of the announcement came just before Meghan and Harry began their first royal tour of Australia and New Zealand and just after Princess Eugenie's big day (so as not to steal the spotlight).
Overseas Glamour
The duo kicked off their first overseas tour [38] in October, and just days into the trip, it was announced that newly pregnant Meghan would be cutting back on events to rest. But she still made plenty of appearances during their travels, including speaking at the Australia Geographic Society Awards in Sydney [39], cradling her baby bump in Fiji [40], and attending the Invictus Games [41], among countless others.
It was a crash course in Meghan's new royal life as she navigated protocol, nonstop travels, and sharing her personal pregnancy news.
Fab Foursome
Perfectly timed with rumours of drama between the royal couples, the foursome was photographed together [44] during Remembrance Day services.
In addition to the photo op, the queen made it clear that Meghan was very much a welcome addition to the royal family when she made a statement of condolences about the wildfires in California [45] (Meghan's home state) and invited Meghan's mum to join them at Christmas [46].
Black Tie Two
In November, Meghan made a stunning appearance for the royal variety performance [47] at the London Palladium with Harry. All eyes were on her visible baby bump that night, but just days later, all the talk was about her and Harry's big move. It was announced that instead of staying a Kensington Palace near Kate and William as originally planned, the couple would move to Windsor Estate [48] in Frogmore Cottage, further fuelling the rumbles of trouble between the brothers.
Regardless of the rumours, Meghan got a big dose of support when Sarah Ferguson shared that she thinks Princess Diana "would be so proud" [49] of both Meghan and Harry, as well as Kate and William.